WP-6. Dissemination and exploitation of the results
This WP deals with: (a) the maximum exploitation of the project’s results through the connection with the industry; (b) the organizing of informational activities in order to inform the public-in-large and the stake-holders about the social benefits and economical growth related to MA; (c) the viability of the project by offering work to the involving people (scientists, technicians etc); and (d) the implementation of the produced scientific knowledge for educational purposes. For these purposes a properly organised exploitation plan will include creation and maintenance of a website, informational meetings, participation in International conferences and publication of the result in scientific journals.
Within this context WP-6 includes the following four (4) tasks:
Task 6.1. Potential possibilities for the use of the identified MA deposits
Description / Methodology: In accordance to the previous WPs and mainly on the basis of their specific characteristics (natural, mineralogical and geochemical) the best use of the MA deposits will be assessed through: (a) efficiency (economical) of the product; (b) its exploitation mainly from the Greek and, secondarily, from the international industry; (c) the availability of the replacement product in the beach zones under erosion; (d) the compatibility of the extraction/use according to the existing legislation; and, (e) the environmental impacts from the extraction and use of the product. In this context, after the quantitative/qualitative control of the raw material, the conduction of technical tests in bulk samples will be implemented in cooperation with constructive Greek industries (e.g. TITAN – cement, mortar production, MATHIOS Refractories - fibrous material, artificial stone, refractory masses, DUROSTICK and KERACOLL-plaster etc). Furthermore, the method washing the raw materials and the removing of NaCl and other possible soluble evaporites, will be investigated, during the extraction procedure (in-situ) and/or after it is transported on-land. Finally, their use in beach zone nourishment will be assessed, according to the results of the relevant tasks 2.4, 4.2 and 4.3.
Deliverable: D25- The need for MA in Greek market (Technical report)
Task 6.2. Investigation for new industrial applications of MA
Description / Methodology: In conjunction to the previous task 6.1, the needs of the industry for new products together with the possibility of using the MA in innovative applications will be investigated, through: (a) the economic and quality efficiency of the product; and (b) the environmental advantages. Thus, except for the already known applications of the silicon or limestone sand, the raw material from the seabed can be tested in application such as those of the production of synthetic Wollastonite, through Calcite and Quartz or diatoms mixed in specific proportions; this material is used in environmental-friendly applications, like replacement of asbestos in building materials and plastics. The materialization of this task is served, beyond the global market research, through companies acting in Greece (e.g. the cement company TITAN S.A. that imports silica sand to use as raw material for the clinker production, the company MATHIOS Refractories SA that already imports wollastonite for the needs of Greek market in building material and also uses silica sand as raw materials to its end products).
Deliverable: D26- Conclusions for new MA applications (Technical Report)
Task 6.3. Dissemination of project’s results
Description / Methodology: For the diffusion of scientific results of the project, a workshop will be organized in order to convey the results of the project to: (a) potential investors; (b) end-users in industry; (c) researchers, so that these results can create a platform of future studies; (d) stake holders and state authorities; and, (e) MSc-PhD students and young scientists (e.g. post-doctorate). Moreover, the scientific outcomes of the project would be published in international scientific magazines and congresses; in this action, the involvement of Professor M. Collins (co-editor of the Journal of Continental Shelf Research) would produce a special issue in a peer-reviewed journal.
Deliverable: D27- Catalogue of the disseminating actions (Report)
Description / Methodology: The aim of this task is to develop and maintain a webpage dedicated to this project; this will improve bonding between the participants and the communication with the rest of the scientific community and the public-in-large. Besides, this webpage will act as a conveyor for the diffusing of the project’s results. The webpage will be established will be in the Faculty of Geology & Geoenvironment linked to Faculty website and being under the supervision of the Coordinator and the Steering Committee.
Deliverable: D28- Webpage operational protocol (Technical report)
